Blog
Debra Wheatman, President of Careers Done Write, provides expert insight to the job search process that puts your career in gear with tips for interviewing, networking, job search strategies and how to create a winning resume and cover letter.
How to Show Multiple Career Goals on LinkedIn
Dear Deb: I have been unemployed for 9 months. My severance pay ended last month. At this point, I am open to almost any possibility. I was a Project Manager. I have worked in the past as a Systems Administrator, Analyst, and Development (but my development skills have diminished). I enjoyed leading projects and coordinating…
In Person Interview Strategies That Will Make You Shine
Competition is so fierce in today’s job market; you need to give yourself a competitive advantage by developing and managing your personal brand. Your traditional resume, digital presence, and in-person persona all act in unison to demonstrate your qualifications. Here are a few interview strategies that can help set you apart from your peers and…
Resume Help: Don’t Be Dense When It Comes to Your Resume
This week we received a resume from a very bright and accomplished senior technology project manager. The problem is Chad has presented a dense block of words with not so much as a bullet or space. The only thing separating one thought from another is a hyphen interspersed between some of the sentences. A reader…
Questions about Ethnicity & Country of Origin
Dear Deb, I had a phone interview and the hiring manager asked me what country I was from. I said, “I was raised in New Jersey and moved to NYC in 2009.” Then he asked, “Was English your first language?” Then I got really uncomfortable. I have a slight accent, but I am very articulate. …
Career Lessons from AMC’s The Walking Dead
After great anticipation, Walking Dead fans were treated recently to the mid-season premiere. It is no surprise that this drama is so popular. As you might have guessed, there are career lessons to be gleaned from the series. As you watch the post-apocalyptic battle of the undead and survivors unfold, see you if you can…
Guest Post: Springboard a Healthcare Career As A Nursing Aide
Thank you to Chris Salvato for his guest post on "Springboard a Healthcare Career As A Nursing Aide Have you ever wanted to be a nurse, but didn't know how to get started? Interested in nursing, but you aren't sure if it's right for you? There's actually a job that's perfect for you - a…
Resume Help: Resumes that Repel Interviews
As a writer, career coach, and former human resources director, I have seen many resumes. It is surprising when a candidate submits a resume like the example below. Clara is an excellent salesperson. She has the gift of interacting with others and closing the sale. She has sold multi-million-dollar beachfront homes. She launched a logistics…
Follow-up Protocol
Dear Deb: How do I follow up with a company after an interview? I know it is proper etiquette, but I am not sure of the protocol. How long should I wait? Is email or snail mail better? Thanks, Richard Dear Richard: Your instincts are correct. It is proper etiquette to thank the interviewer for…
The Goldilocks Principle & Resumes for Candidates over Age 45
Remember Goldilocks? She is the ever-curious child known for breaking and entering into the three bears’ home. She tested the bears’ beds and porridge in search of accommodations and dinner that was “just right.” She did not want a bed that was too soft or porridge that was too hot. A resume must follow the…
Cover Letter Help: Planning Your Message
Many candidates make the mistake of thinking a cover letter is just a formality. They do not make the effort to create a compelling marketing letter. Take a look at Bree’s letter inserted below. Don’t fall into Bree’s trap. The following are examples of how Bree can improve her cover letter. Use the opening paragraph…